Just Do What You Are Able, Bible Study

Not all of us can be Mother Theresa and care for the sick and needy. With the current economy not everyone can give money to the poor either. The Bible tells us to give what we can.

In the book of Acts 3: 1-3, Peter and John were going into the temple to pray when a lame man came to them and asked for alms (money). He had been lame from his birth and had never been able to work.

Peter and John didn't have any money to he give the man, so they gave him what they were able. Acts 3: 4 says " And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us." The man expected them to give him some money, but what they gave him was even better.

Acts 3: 6-7 says "Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazereth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

After that the man arose and started leaping and went into the temple with them praising God. When everyone in the temple saw this, Peter explained that it was the work of God.

What is the lesson here? We can't all do miracles, but we can do like Peter and John did when they didn't have money to give the lame man. Giving what we can is our best option.

Maybe you are unemployed this year and you can help someone with your time. When you see the neighbor with his car stuck in the snow, help him shovel it out. If you are good at crocheting or knitting, you can make mittens, gloves and hats for the needy. Maybe your giving could be cleaning the church each week.

God gives all of us spiritual gifts to use. If yours is teaching, teach. If yours is praying, the gift of prayer is a wonderful gift that you could give someone. No matter what your spiritual gift is, use it.

If you don't know what spiritual gifts you have, ask God and he will let you know. All of us have something to give. It may just be saying something kind to someone or visiting shut-ins and spending a little time visiting. You don't need to give money, to be charitable. Like Peter and John we need to give what we are able.

2 Corinthians 9: "Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver."